Health and Safety Podcast Transcript: Sept. 4, 2013

Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast. I’m
Jim Person, Fairfax County emergency information officer. Coming up,
learn about National Preparedness Month, home fire safety and being safe
on the roads near school zones. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast
can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

September Is National Preparedness Month. It’s no secret that disasters,
both natural and man-made, seem to be occurring more frequently in the
U.S. and locally. National Preparedness Month is the perfect time to get
ready for whatever may come, including tropical storms, hurricanes,
extended power outages and other types of events. You may think that it
takes a lot of time and money to be prepared, but preparing for
emergencies doesn’t have to cost a lot of money – and can be done in a
few easy steps.

First, make a plan. It doesn’t have to be a novel – just something
everyone in your family can understand and remember.

Second, set aside some emergency supplies, including enough food and
water – enough for each person in your home to last for at least three
days.

Nearly 2,500 people die in home fires each year. Eighty-two percent of
all fire deaths and 76 percent of all fire injuries in our country occur
in the home – the very place we should feel most safe. Remember, in the
event of fire, every second counts. Everyone should make and practice a
home escape plan. If you have decreased mobility or a visual or hearing
impairment, talk with your family members, building manager or neighbors
about your fire safety plan and practice it.

Make sure that your house number is clearly visible from the street
using numbers that are at least 4 inches high.

Have at least two exits from every room and know how to open locked or
barred doors and windows.

Contact your local fire station. The Fairfax County Fire Department
will provide a courtesy home inspection, review your escape plan and
even install smoke alarms if necessary.

If you encounter smoke, stay near the ground or crawl low to an exit.
Once outside, stay out and call 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s house.

If you are trapped in a room or do not feel that you can escape safely,
close the door between you and the fire. Use a blanket or sheet to fill
the gaps around the door to keep smoke out. Then, signal out the window
using a blanket or sheet.

Fairfax County Police urge motorists to be extra vigilant for
pedestrians and bicyclists as county schools resumed classes Sept. 3.
Commuters should expect increased congestion throughout the first few
weeks of school, so build some extra time into your schedules to
accommodate this traditionally heavy time period. Residents may also
notice police officers posted in school zones and near bus stops helping
ensure pedestrian safety as well as safe loading and unloading of
students. Police remind drivers that when bus lights and stop signs are
activated, vehicles must stop in both directions, unless they are
separated from the bus by a median. For more, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police.

That’s it for this edition of the Fairfax County Health and Safety
Podcast, produced by the Fairfax County, Va., Government. Thanks for
listening. Additional information about health and safety topics and
emergency preparedness may be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov. And remember, if you have
a police, fire or medical emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency needs,
call 703-691-2131.